Changes the Detroit Tigers Need to Make to Make the Playoffs

The Detroit Tigers are currently in first place for the American League central, but that doesn't look like that will last long. Slowly the White Sox's, the Twins, and even the Royals are slowly gaining up the standings every day, and sooner or later they will be passed, unless they make some changes.

First off they need a more consistent offense. I'm all for the lineup changes made by Jim Leyland to spice things up a bit every now and then, but sometimes when he does this the Tigers only get hits in chunks, and they leave to many men on base.

To reduce this, Granderson should be hitting lead-off. I know he has to much power for a lead-off hitter, but when in the five spot he only hits solo homers anyways, so it really doesn't make much of a difference.

Marcus Thames needs to be a everyday starter as well. Sure he shouldn't play as much as guys like Cabrera or Granderson, but he should at least start about 80 percent of games.

The reason? He is a valuable power hitter, and if he can hit more contact, he will become a even bigger force. Marcus should be put in the lineup behind Cabrera, while Larish backs him up on some days.

 Ramon and Everett should continue switching playtime. Hey its worked so far this season, and neither of these guys you would call "complete players."

Both these guys should be hitting at the seventh spot. At the sixth spot should be Brandon Inge, who as shown some great power. At eighth should be Larid and ninth should be either Josh Anderson, or Clete Thomas.

When Gullien gets back, hopefully by this season, he would help the Tigers offense alot, and the lineup could change, but as of right now it should look a little like this.

1. Granderson

2. Polanco

3. Cabrera

4. Thames

5. Ordonez

6. Inge

7. Everett/ Santiago

8. Larid

9. Josh Anderson/ Clete Thomas.

Plain and simple Cabrera should always hit in the 1st inning. This is why i put him at third. Actually Jim Leyland has done that recently, so maybe Jim and I are on the same page.

Also Thames should hit after Cabrera, this would force pitchers to pitch in the zone more so they don't walk Cabrera, because if they do, Marcus is up next. And Marcus has been said to have the greatest pull-power in baseball.

Really the lineup is mainly the same really the only difference is having Marcus Thames play alot more. He is a key player if the Tigers want to win some games. Also he is the guy that can fill that missing 4 slot we will have when we move Cabrera up to third in the order. 

Bench players for the tigers should include. Rookie Dusty Ryan, Ryan Raburn, Jeff Larish, Clete Thomas, ans d Everett.  

Now on to the pitching, so far this has been a strength for the Tigers. Well as far as the first three guys in the rotation. Edwin Jackson, Verlander, and Porcello. So basically the top three spots are set.

As far as the No. 4 and 5 slots we have a bit of a problem. Now i like Galarraga, and i believe he is a pretty good pitcher. However he is just not pitching very well at all this year.

But if you remember correctly he was amazing at the beginning of the year, and Verlander wasn't, so i would give him alot more starts before i even consider taking this guy out.

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